stretching

Stretching

A stretching regimen can help counteract the muscle imbalances and tightening that are common side-effects of running. Whereas experts no longer advise strenuous stretching before running (muscles are better stretched when they're warm), warm-up exercises can help with blood flow and stretching after a run can increase flexibility. Read on to learn about two popular approaches to flexibility work that can complement your running.

Regular yoga practice can be a great complement to your running workouts. “Lots of runners cross-train with yoga, which builds core strength and flexibility, and improves performance through breathing, mindfulness, and fine-tuning your body’s proprioceptive response,” says Dana Slamp of Pure Yoga, the studio that's home to NYRR’s Yoga for Runners classes.